Record controlled machine



April 6, 1943. A. w. MrLLS EAL 2,315,723 REIICORD CONTROLLED MACHINE Filed Oct. 13, I941 6 Sheets-Sheet l FIG. '1.

April 6, 1943. A. w. MILLS ETAL RECORD CONTROLLED MACHINE Filed Oct. 13, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY April 6, 1943. A. w; M ILLS EI'AL v2,315,723

- nsconn CONTROLLED MACHINE Filed Oct. 13, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIGJO.

INVENIORS JV. 4%

A TTORNE Y FIG.8. I

April 6-, 1943,- Y A. w. MILLS ETAL 2,315,723

RECORD CONTROLLED MACHINE Filed Oct. 13, 1941 s Sheets-Sheet e 2 FIG. 12.

A? fi 5 ig- BYv Patented Apr. 6, 1943 mam RECORD CONTROLLED IHACHINE Albert W. Mills and Fra and Edward J. Rabend signors to International poration, New York, York nk J. Furman, Endicott,

Binghamton, N. Y., as- 1 Business Machines Cor- N. Y., a corporation of New Application October 13, 1941, Serial No. 414,818

27 Claims.

This invention relates to key controlled and record controlled accounting and statistical machines and is an improvement upon the mechanism disclosed in Patent No. 2,046,082, issued June 30, 1936, to A. W. Mills.

The above patent discloses a combined punching and printing machine for preparing the perforated accounting and statistical record cards, such as is used in the well known Powers and Hollerith systems of accounting. This machine not only punches holes representative of data to be recorded in a card, but also prints the data on the card and includes a duplicating mechanism which enables certain data to be automatically duplicated in the card under control of'a separate master card.

In the Mills patent, a relay system is provided winch is controlled by the brushes which sense the master card and in turn control a system of solenoids for operating the printing and punching keys of the machine. Each key is provided with a key operating solenoid and these solenoids are selectively energized under control of the record sensing brushes according to the number and disposition of the holes in the columns of the master card.

The present invention is concerned with a mechanism for operating the keys under control of the sensing brushes which requires fewer relays, is more positive in its action, and reduces by more than two-thirds the number of operating magnets or solenoids for the keys employed by the key selecting and operating mechanism of the Mills patent.

1 object is to provide a key operating mechanismior record controlled machines which is more accurate in its operation and less liable to misoperations which frequently occur when sole dependence is placed in a single low power solenoid individual to the key to operate it as in the above patent.

An object is to provide a key selecting and operating mechanism with a checking means which prevents operation of the printing means when the selector bars which select the keys for operation are not set up in agreement with electrical circuits which are established by the record sensing mechanism.

Other objects of the invention will be pointed out the foiiowing descripticn and claims and illustrated in accompanying drawings, which disclose, by Way of exampie, the principle of the invention and the best mode, which has been contemplated, of applying that principle.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a vertical section through the machine.

Fig. 2 is a large scale front elevation, partly in section, of the mechanism for operating the keys.

Fig. 3 is a vertical section on the line 3-3 in Fig. 2.

Fig. Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a large scale detail view of one of the selector bar operating solenoids.

Fig. 6 is a horizontal section on the line 6+6 in Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a vertical section on the line 1-1 in Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a plan View of the selector bars showing the arrangement of the lugs.

Fig. 9 is a detail view in vertical section of the key operating bail.

Fig. 10 is a plan view of the selector bar contact operating mechanism.

Fig. 11 is a front elevation of the selector contact operating mechanism.

Fig. 12 is a Wiring diagram.

The contacts of the various relays will be designated the same as the relays and will be difierentiated by adding the letters A, B, and C. Thus EMA designates contacts of relay Rl-i.

The present invention is shown as applied to the machine disclosed in the above Mills patent and such machine is changed mechanically only to the extent that there key selecting solenoids and relay system of the above patent a mechanical key operating mechanism which is controlled by only twelve key selecting solenoids designated KSSB to KSSQ, KS'SI i, and KSS I 2, respectively, and is operated by a key operating magnet KOM common to all of the character keys. Except for the fact that in the present case the tabulating solenoid contacts are modified to the extent that an additional set of contacts is provided for each which are arranged to close when- 4 is a vertical section on the line 'i i in bar ever a character key or the tabulating key is de-- pressed, the machine is identical in all respects with the machine disclosed in the patent. In the present case, the contacts designated KICI in Fig. 12 are close whenever a key is depressed.

As a preliminary to the description of the present invention, a very brief description will be given of the keyboard mechanism and the printis substituted for the:

key interlock, escapement, and' ing mechanism controlled thereby, this mechanism being the same as in the above patent. The reference numerals and letters designating the electrical relays, magnets, and so on are the same as in the Mills patent as far as possible.

With reference to Figs. 1 to 3 inclusive, the machine is provided with numeral keys 238 and alphabetic keys 231 the key levers 238a and 231a of which are pivoted on a rod 261 and held against a stop bar 263 by means of springs 284 which urge the key levers 23801 in a clockwise direction with particular reference to Fig. 3. Each key lever 238a, 231a has an extension on arm 211 to which is pivoted an arm 211a actuated by a spring 214 normally holding a stop portion on the arm 211a against a similar stop portion on the arm 211.

The type bars 234 (Fig. l) are usual wire segment 235 by means of the pivot wire 238 and are actuated by means of sublevers 258 which are pivoted on a cross rod 251 (see Fig. 3 also) carried by the frame 252. Each sub-lever 258 hasa pin 249 extending into a slot in the type bar 234 whereby the rocking of each sub-lever 258 in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 1) effects clockwise movement of a type bar. The sub-levers 258 and type bars 234 are restored by means of springs 255 anchored to a member 254 and the springs 253 hold the sublevers 258 against a stop 255.

Associated with each sub-lever 258 is a lever 259 having a pin 261 engaging one arm of the sub-lever 258, whereby the sub-lever 258 may be operated by rocking the lever 259 in a clockwise direction. The levers 259 are pivoted on a cross rod 268 and at 258 each is pivotally connected to a horizontal punch operating slide 251 and an operating member 212. Each lever 259 has an extension curving downwardly and to the left (Fig. 3) from the pivot 258 and the punch operating member 212 has a similar extension curving downwardly to the right. To these extensions are anchored springs 213 which tend to urge the members 212 in a clockwise direction.

The members 212 are provided with lugs 212a (Fig. 3) which engage the lower ends of the arms 211 on the key levers 238, 231 and the arms 211a are slightly longer than the arms 211 so as to extend slightly below the lugs 212a. The arms 211 hold the members 212 in the position of Fig. 3 in which a hook-shaped lug 2120 on each member 212 is held clear of the universal actuator 14. This actuator is continually driven in a clockwise direction (Figs. 1 and 3) by the driving motor DM while the machine is in use. The slides 251, when drawn to the left, operate the punches as explained in the Mills patent. When any character key 238 or 231 is depressed, its arm 211a is prevented by the lug 212a from rocking in a counterclockwise direction (Fig. 3). Consequently, the movement of the arm 211, in the same direction, opens a space into which the lug 212a may pass in consequence of the tension of the spring 213. Thereby member 212 is permitted to rock clockwise and the lug 2120 will be caused to engage one of the moving ribs in the actuator 14. The member 212 will then be drawn to the left, carrying with it the slide 251 and, at the same time, rocking clockwise the lever 259. This, of course, results in the operation of the punch or punches associated with the key depressed and the actuation of the type bar 234 associated with the same key. When any key is depressed, the key interlock bail 388 (Fig. 1) will pivoted on the 7 upper end of the posite transverse slots be rocked clockwise, thereby causing the key interlock contacts KICI to open K102 to close. The operation of the slides 251 also causes the contacts designated PBCZ, termed the punch bail contacts, to open.

The mechanism for operating the keys by power is largely supported on a frame casting 1B8 (Figs. 1 to 3) located beneath the keyboard in a pocket 581 formed in the base 58. This frame 188 supports on its top surface a plate 181 which largely covers a long rectangular opening 156a (Fig. 3) in the frame 188 which opening extends the entire length of such frame. Secured to the underside of the plate 181 within the rectangular opening 18811. in the frame 188, by means of screws 182 (Fig. 5), are the yokes 183 of the twelve key selecting solenoids KSSU to KSSQ, KSSH, and KSSlZ respectively. These yokes are shaped like elongated Us with short arms and have the cores 184 of the solenoids secured to the short arms of the yokes 183 opposite the plate 181.

Slidably mounted in the upper end of each coil is a. plunger 185 provided with diametrically op- 185a (Figs. 5 to '7) into which loosely project the lugs 18611 in a lever 186 pivoted on a rod 181 carried by a yoke 183. The plunger 185 is provided with a reduced portion 18512 which acts as a stop forthe plunger by contacting the underside of the plate 181 and both the core 184 and the plunger 185 are located within a non-magnetic tube 188 extending into a large hole in the upper arm of the yoke 153. This tube 188 is slotted at 188a to accommodate the lugs 185a in the levers 186 and the slot is wide enough to permit the plunger 185a to move up and down freely. The solenoid operated levers 188 project through open and each has a lateral exings in the plate 181 tension 18%. The latter engage lugs 189a in twelve selector bars 189, each bar 188 having its own operating solenoid. With reference to Fig. 5, whenever one of the solenoids KSS8 to KSSS, KSS1 1, KSS12 is energized, its plunger 185 will be drawn downwardly, (Fig, 5) thereby rocking the associated lever 185 clockwise and thrusting the corresponding selector bar 189 to the right.

The selector bars 189 are slidably mounted in upper combs 118 (Figs. 3 and 4) and lower combs 111 of which there is a pair at each end of the group of selector bars, each pair of combs being secured to a vertical plate 112 secured to an upturned portion 181a. formed at the end of the plate 181, each of the plates 112 being formed with parallel vertical extensions or posts between which the combs 118, 11 1 are secured. Each pair of these posts also supports a rod 113 (Fig. 5) on which rollers 114 are rotatably mounted, each roller 114 cooperating with the lower edge of a selector bar 189 adjacent the comb 1i 1. These rollers 114 carry the weight of the selector bars 189 and enable the latter to move longitudinally more freely. The upper edges of the selector bars 189 are formed with lugs 18% arranged as hown in Fig. 8.

Attached to each key lever is an operating member 114 (Figs. 1, 3, 4, and 8) which extends horizontally and transversely bars 189 and is normally held up by one or more of the lugs 18%, arranged as shown in Fig. 8. The lugs 18% are so arranged that when they are operated singly or in combinations of two, a particular member 114 corresponding to that bar or combination of bars will be allowed to drop, assisted by a spring 115 which is anchored to the over the selector member I I4 and to a spring anchoring plate H6. The plate 1I6 comprises a strip formed with tongues to which the springs H6 are anchored and is formed as part of the assembly including the key lock which prevents more than one key from being depressed. This assembly includes a bar 'III, a key guiding comb H8, and a comb H9 which is Z-shaped in section with one of the vertical edges slotted for guiding the members H4, these parts all being fastened to the bar II! by means of common screws. The selector bars I09 are held in the positions of Figs. 2 and by means of springs I anchored to a bracket mob secured to the top surface of the frame IE0 at the left hand end.

In order to insure movement of the selector bars I09 in unison when two are operated, there is provided a universal bail IZI (Figs. 2 and 4) which is pivoted on a rod I22 carried by bracket I23 at the right hand end (Fig. 2) of plate I00. This bail is urged in a counterclockwise direction by a spring I24 and abuts the right hand ends of all of the selector bars I69. When two of the selector bars are operated together, if one attempts to move faster than the other, the spring operating the bail IZI will apply an additional load to such advanced bar and retard its movement sufficiently to enable the other bar to keep up with it. In order to insure the proper selec tion of a member H 4, it is absolutely necessary that both of two selected bars operate in unison. This is because of the fact that the members H4 normally rest upon the lugs 1539b in the bars I89 and movement of only one i suilicient to release a member H4.

Whenever a member I I4 is released and allowed to drop by the movement of one or a pair of the selector bars I09, the selected member I i 4 and the associated key is operated by power which conveniently takes the form of an operating magnet KOM which may be termed the key operating magnet. As most clearly shown in Figs. 2 and 3, this operating magnet KOM comprises a pair of coils and cores mounted on a plate I25 secured to dovmward extensions 1439c of the frame IUD. This plate F25 also support an armature stop post I26 which acts to limit movement of an armature 721 secured to a member 128 pivoted at 7253 to a bracket I36 mounted on the top of the plate 'IGi. The member J28, as most clear- 1y shown in Fig. 9, has an extension underlying the middle part of the crossbar of a bail I3I pivotally mounted at I32 in the upturned lugs Mia which support the plates H2. The bail I3I is urged in a counterclockwise direction (Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 9) by means of a spring 733 anchored to the plate Ni by means of a suitable spring clip (not shown). It is apparent from Fig. 3 that whenever the magnet OM is energized, the operating bail I3I will be actuated in a clockwise direction.

The bail 'i3l has secured to it a beveled bar I34 adapted to engage a notch or shoulder mm formed in the left hand end (Fig. 3) of a selected member H4. If any member H4 is allowed to drop and the magnet KOM is energized, the bail I311 will be rocked clockwise (Fig. 3) and the bar I34. engaging the notch HAa. in the member II-1 will push the latter to the right in Fig. 3, thereby rocking the key counterclockwise. This, of course, will cause an operation of the type bar associated with the operated key.

The selector bars Hi9 operate two sets of contacts designated SBCI, SE02, respectively, in Fig. 12. For this purpose, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11,

there is provided two slots like I090 on the lower edge of each of the bars I09, these slots being so disposed on the bars that the selector bars Hi9 corresponding to the magnets KS9, KSI I, KSIZ, when moved to the right in Figs. 2 and 5 rock the left hand one of two bails I35 pivoted at I35 on a bracket I31 secured to the top of the plate 10L With respect to the left hand bail I35, appearing in Figs. 5, l0, and 11, the slots Ifisc in the selector bars corresponding to the solenoids KS I to KS9, are so wide, as shown in Figs. 5 and 10, that these selector bars cannot operate the left hand bail 735.

The left hand bail 135 has an extension 735a carrying an insulating button I351? disposed underneath one of a pair of spring contact members carrying contacts SBCI, these members of each pair being suitably insulatably mounted on a bracket I38 carried by the plate 'IBI to the left of magnet KOM in Fig. 2. Whenever the selector bars for solenoids KSSil, KSSI I, KSSI2 move to the right, the ball I35 will be rocked clockwise, thereby causing the pin I352; to rise and close the contacts SBCI. The right hand bail I35 similarly operates contacts SBCZ to close the latter whenever any of the selector bars 109 corresponding to the magnets KSSI to KSS9 are operated. These latter selector bars, however, do not operate the contacts SBCI.

There are certain conditions under which it is possible for one of the members H4 to drop but it may happen that the magnet KOM is not energized to operate the selected member Fi l and thereby restore such member to the raised position. While any member 754 is in the released position, movement of some of the selector bars I09 will be blocked and it will be impossible to restore the moved selector bar. Accordingly, provision is made whereby the operator may restore any member 7 M which has been selected without an operation of the type oar immediately follow ing, arising from failure to energize the magnet KOM.

This means includes a restoring key RK located at the right hand end of the keyboard (Fig. 2) and having an upward extension F38 (see Fig. 4 also) carrying an insulating button 1353a cooperating with one of a pair of spring contact members carrying restoring key contacts RKC. The-key RK is held up by a spring 264a which normally maintains the contacts RKC closed. Pivotally mounted on a rod 539 carried by the plates H2 is a release bail I40 which extends parallel with the selector bars 709 and underneath all of the members H4. This bail has an arm Moo at the right hand end which underlies a lug I381? formed in the key lever of key RK.

With reference to Figs. the key RE, through the 53th with the arm mm, rock counterclockwise and lift any operated member H4 which may have been allowed to drop by movement of the bars "H39. Lifting of the selected member IM will allow any of the bars 539 which may be held in the operated position by engagement of their lug IfiQb with the sides of the selected member IM to be drawn to the left (Fig. l) by their springs I29, thus placing the operating mechanism for the keys in condition to effect a second selection.

The operating bail 'i3i is provided with an extension 535a (Fig. 9) which is used to positively restore the bail I3I in the event that the armature 72? should stick to the poles of the magnet KOM from residual magnetism. This extension 4 and 9, depression of engagement of the lug causes the bail MB to is engaged by a pin 259d on arm 2551b and is rocked counterclockwise when the arm 25% is moved in a clockwise direction during the operation of the selected punches and type bar. The arm 25% cooperates with the cam 14a to positively restore the punches as described in the Mills patent.

The operation of the machine will now be described with reference to 12), it being assumed that relay R54 has been energized a described in the Mills patent to prevent automatic duplicating and that this relay is being kept in energized position by a holding circ'uit through its contacts RI 413 and the duplicating start contacts DSCZ. As soon as the carriage moves to the first column in which automatic duplicating is to commence, the No. stop in such column, as described in the Mills patent,'operates pon the contacts DSC2 to interrupt the holding circuit for th relay R54, thereby allowing its con-' tacts RNA to close. This enables circuits to be established through the brushes B8 to B9, Bl l, and B I 2 which sense the master card.

It will be assumed that the first coluinm of the field contains the letter A represented by a 1 hole and a 12 hole. The brushes EH2 and Bi establish two separate circuits as follows: line wire WI, contacts R l 5A, back space contacts BSC, contacts R58A, door contacts DC, card lever contacts CLC, tabulating solenoid contacts TSCl, contacts RMA, restoring key contacts RKC, escapement contacts ECI, punch bail contacts PBC2, contacts R3A, key interlock contacts KICI, common brush CB, contact roller CR, the brushes B12 and BI, respectively, the solenoids KSSEZ and KSSI, respectively, relays R4 and R5 in parallel, and relay R20 in common, to line wire W2. The relays R4 and R5 close their contacts R lA, R40 and R5A, R50 While the solenoids KSSI2, KSSI operate their respective selector bars 169 and thereby cause the closure of both contacts SBCI, SBC2. Also, due to the movement of the selector bars, the member 1 M for the A key is allowed to drop as described above but for the moment nothing happens as magnet KOM has not yet been energized.

The closure of contacts R40, SBCi, SBC2, R5C, R4A, REA sets up a parallel circuit from the contacts PBC2, through the relay R3 and magnet KOM in parallel, contacts R4C, SBCI, SBCZ', REC, R lA, REA to line wire W2. Relay R3 opens the circuit through the brushes and closes a momentary holding circuit through its contacts 313 in parallel with the circuit just traced through contacts SBC l, SE02. Magnet KOM is energized and effects the operation of the A key as explained above. Finally 12 and 1 holes are perforated in the blank card and the letter A is printed above such holes in the manner de-' scribed in the Mills patent.

The operation of the perforating mechanism and escapement mechanism causes the contacts PEG: and ECI to open, thereby deenergizing the momentary holding circuit through the relay R3 and magnet KOM, last traced above. The energization of the magnet KOM lifts the member H4 for the A key up high enough to release the 12 and l selector bars 1B9,-permitting their springs I20 to draw such bars back to the position of Fig. 5 in readiness for another operation.

It is conceivable that for some reason or other both selector bars Hi9 might not operate. For example, one might stick too tightly for its solenoid to operate it. Let it be assumed that when both relays R4, R5 are energized, one of the the wiring diagram (Fig.

group of selector bars'corresponding' to the solenoids KSSEJ, KSSII, KSSIZ fails 'to operate.

This causes contacts SBCI to remain open while contacts SBCZ will close. This prevents a circuit from being established throughthe magnet KOM. Since one of the selector bars correspond ing to solenoids KSSl to KSS9 has been operated the corresponding selector bar will be held in operated position. This is true because the member H4 directly associated with the operated only fail to print and punch but the carriagewarning the operator will not escape, thereby that a misoperation has taken place.

The contacts of the relays R4 and R5 and contacts SBCI, SBCZ are so arranged that the energizaticn-of the relay R5 in consequence of there also being a hole in the 1 to 9 positions, respectively, will prevent any circuit from being established through contacts R40 and SBCI through the jumper connection W|3 because relay R5 switches the circuit to contacts SE02 which have not closed because of failure of one of the selector bars corresponding to the solenoids KSSI to KSS9 to operate. In order to free the machine for another operation, the operator presses the duplicating reset key DRK, thereby opening the contacts RKC to break the brush circuits and also, by means of bail I40, raising the member H4 which was selected to bar 109 to return to its normal position. Since no hole has been perforated and the printing mechanism did not operate, the operator may again press the'same key and it may be that this time the machine will operate correctly and punch both holes and print the proper character on the blank card.

The relay system including the relays R4, R5 is so devised that a single hole may be perforated and a corresponding character printed without interrupting the operation of the machine as above. It will be assumed that there is a 9 hole occurring in a given column. A circuit will be established in this case only through the brush B9 and the solenoid KSSS and relay R5. In this case only contacts SBCZ will close and, since relay R5 is energized and relay R4 deenergized, the circuit for magnet KOM can bee-stablishedthrough the contacts R433, the jumper wire W13, contactsSBCZ, REC, and R5A,. to line wire W2. Had the hole been present in the 12 index point position, contacts SBCI and, R40 will be closed, permitting a circuit for magnet KOM to be established through contacts R40, SBCl, jumper Wl3, contacts R513 and FAA to line wire W2.

It will thus be seen that as long as the selector bars operate in agreement with the holes in the card and the establishment of the proper circuits through such holes, the proper key will be operated, but, if the proper circuits are set up and the proper selector bars are not operated, an interruption of the operation in the machine will be forced upon the operator and it will, therefore, not be possible to continue to operate the machine without knowing that all of the holes are not being perforated in the card. Without the checking circuit, if it should happen that enable the locked selector matically be spaced to the only a single bar operates where two should operate, the machine would punch the character corresponding to the single bar operated. Thus, all characters which require operation of a given selector bar would not be printed correctly but only the character corresponding to the single one that operated would be printed and punched. Thus, if the 9 bar, for instance, should stick, all characters requiring the operation of a (9 bar, that is, the code comprising a 9 hole with another hole, such as a 12, would cause the character corresponding to the 12 hole alone to be printed. It will be understood that this arises from the fact that, in the Hollerith alphabetical code as shown in the Mills patent, the individual holes represent characters and combinations of such holes represent other characters. With the checking circuit described above, if a single hole occurs and the selector bar for that hole does not operate, the operation of the machine will be interrupted. is sensed, and the corresponding selector bar fails to operate, the proper series circuit through contacts SBCI or SBCZ, as the case may be, will be interrupted by failure of one or the other of these contacts to close. The contacts REA, R iA pre vent energization of the magnet KOM when a column is blank.

It may happen during the course of duplicating an alphabetic field that some of the columns are left blank for spacing characters apart as, for instance, the initials of a name, this being explained in the Mills patent as a well known practice. When the carriage escapes to a column in which no perforation appears, it will autonext column provided the switch SS is closed. The relay R28 is a fast operating relay which, when a hole is sensed, prevents energization of the escapement magnet EM prematurely. This relay opens its contacts RZBA before the relatively slow acting magnet EM can build up its flux sufficiently to operate the escapement mechanism. When no hole is present in any column, relay R29 remains deenergized and its contacts RZBA remain closed. As the carriage escapes from a column in which a hole is punched to one in which no hole appears in the master card, the reclosure of contacts PBC2-causes a circuit to be closed through the magnet EM as follows: line wire Wl, contacts Rl'A, BSC, RISA, DC, CLC, TSCI, RMA, RKC, ECi, PBCE, REA, KICI, magnet EM, switch S8, contacts RZQA, RISA, and contacts LCCZ, to line wire W2. The energization of magnet EM as described in the Mills patent causes an operation of the escapement mechanism to take place, whereby the carriage will be spaced one column. When the machine is operated manually, the depression of any key causes the contacts KICI to open and thereby prevent energization of the magnet EM. The depression of the space bar 229 (Fig. 1) causes space bar contacts SEC to close and energize the escapement magnet EM by'a circuit as follows: line wire WI, contacts RISA, E80, S30, magnet EM, switch SS, con tacts R2GA, RIQA, and LCC2 to line wire W2.

While there has been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a single modification it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited 7'5 When a singleshole only as indicated by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is: 1. In a machine of the class described, means 5 to sense a record containing designations disposed in different index point positions, a series of selector bars corresponding to said positions, means controlled by the sensing means through a designation in each index point position for 10 moving one of said bars, a series of operable elements cooperating with said bars and selected by movement of said bars; a power operating member for said operable elements, said element's when selected by movement of said bars being positioned in an operating relationship with the operating member; means for actuating said operating member; and means for rendering the actuating means operative, said means being responsive to the movement of said selector bars to select the operable element. Jr -2: Ina machine of the class described, character printing keys, selectively operable elements connected to said keys, means to sense a record containing data designations disposed in a plurality of index point positions; a series of selector bars, one for each index point position, means controlled by said sensing means for setting said selector bars singly and in combinations to represent characters denoted in the record by means of said designations, a common operating member for all of the operable elements, said operable elements when selected by movement of said selector bars being placed in an operative relationship with the common operating member, and means for operating said common operating member rendered effective by the movement of the selector bars to select one of said elements.

3. In a machine of the class described, a record sensing device comprising a series of separate electrical sensing elements, each for sensing a single index point position in a record column, characters being represented in such column by designations occurring singly and in various combinations in said index point positions; recording mechanism, a series of operable elements, each element representing a character and when actu ated causing such character to be recorded by the recording mechanism; a series of selector bars corresponding in number to the index point positions in said column; a series of control magnets, each for effecting an operation of.- one of said bars and controlled by one of said electrical sensing elements whereby said selector bars are set singly and in combinations to correspond with designations in said column, saidbars when set selecting one of said operable elements for operation; a common operating memher for said operable elements, said elements when selected moving into a position to be taper- 'atedby the common operating member; a mag net for operating the common operating member, and contact means controlled by the movement. of said selector bars for causing the magnet to operate.

4. In a machine of the class described, a series of operable elements, each representing a character; recording mechanism controlled by said elements, a series of selector bars movable singly and in various combinations to select one of the operable elements for operation, an operating to sense data designations in element for operation.

the class described, means a record, a series of operable elements, each representing a character; a series of selector bars common to all or said operable elements and movable singly and. in combination to represent a character and by such movement to select the operable element corresponding to such character, means to operate the selected element, and means jointly controlled by the record sensing means and by movement of the selector bars for causing operation of the operating means for said element.

5. In a machine of 6. In a machine of the class described, a series of operable elements, each representing a character; a series of selector bars common to said elements, said selector bars being movable singly and in combination to select one of the operable elements for operation; means for operating the selected element, a device for sensing combinational code designations in a record, means controlled by the sensing device for moving said bars singly and in combinations to represent a character sensed; and a control circuit. for the operating means, including contact means controlled by the record sensing device and contact means controlled by the movement of the selector bars, for causing operation of the operating means.

'7. In a machine of the class described, a record sensing device for sensing combinational code data designations in a record; power operated recording means including a series of operable elements, each representing a character; a series of selector bars common to said elements and movable singly and in combinations to represent characters designated by the code designations; means controlled by the sensing device for setting said bars to correspond with said code designations, said bars, when moved by said setting means, selecting one of the selectively operable elements for operation; means common to all of the selectively operable elements for operating the selected element, and means dependent upon both the sensing device and the movement of the selector bars for controlling the operation of the operating means.

8. In a machine of the class described, means for sensing a record having data designations in index point positions arranged in columns, each column having two groups of index point positions, characters being represented by the combination of a data designation in any one of one group of index point positions and a data designation in any one of the other group of index point positions; a series of selectively operable elements, each representing a character; recording mechanism controlled by said elements, a series of selector bars common to the selectively operable elements and equal in number to the index point positions in a column, means controlled by the record sensing means for positioning said selector bars to represent a data designating combination occurring in a single column, operating means for the selectively operable elements, a pair of control devices corresponding to the two groups of designations and operated by any of the selector bars corresponding to said groups of designations; and means controlled by both said control devices and the record sensing 'means for causing an operation of the operating dex point positions in a single column and ar-v ranged so that a movement of a selector bar in one group and a selector bar in another group selects the selectively operable element corresponding to a combination of data designations in the record column, a common operating member for the selected elements, power means for operating said member; means controlled by the record sensing means for setting said selector bars, one in each group, to correspond with the designations in the record column; and a checking circuit for controlling the power means, said checking circuit having contact means closed by movement of the selector bars and contact means controlled by the record sensing means for rendering the power means effective only when the selector bars are set in agreement with the designations in the record column.

10. In a machine of the class described, recording means, a series of selectively operable elements for controlling the recording means, each representing a character to be recorded; means for sensing a record containing columns of index point positions, each column being divided into two groups of index point positions, said characters being represented by the combination of a designation in one group and a designation in the other group; a series of selector bars corresponding to the index point positions and arranged so that the movement of both a selector bar in one group and a selector bar in another group selects the selectively operable element corresponding to the data designations in the record column, a common operating member for the selected element; power means for operating said member; means controlled by the record sensing means for setting said selector bars, one in each group, to correspond with the designations in the record column; a checking circuit for controlling the power means, said checking circuit having contact means closed by movement of the selector bars and contact means controlled by the record sensing means for rendering the power means efiective only when the selector bars are set in agreement with the designations in the record column, and manual means to effect restoration of any selected ele-v ment and the operated selector bars in the event that a disagreement occurs.

11. In a machine of the class described, a series of selectively operable elements, each representing a character, selector bars cooperating with the selectively operable elements and when selectively moved causing the selection of one of said elements for operation, said selector bars when moved to efiect the selection becoming locked by the selected element; spring means coacting with said elements to hold them in selected position, a restoring key, and means controlled by the restoring key for restoring the selected element to normal position to thereby release the operated selector bars.

that movement 12. In a machine of the class described, a series of character keys, recording mechanism controlled by said character keys; selectively operable elements, each individual to a character key and connected thereto for operating such key; a series of selector bars disposed transversely of said elements and with their edges engaging said elements, the edges of said seiector bars being so shaped that movement of the selector bars away from a normal position selects one of said elements for operation, and also so shaped that the selected eleinent'locks the selector bars in operated position; spring means to hold said elements in operated position, a restoring member common to all of said elements and operable to restore the selected element to its normal position and to th reby release the selector bars for restoration to their normal position, and a key for controlling operation of the restoring member.

13. In a machine of the combination of a series of record sensing brushes, each for sensing an index point position on a record in which characters are recorded by combinations of designations in said index point positions; a series of selector bars corresponding to the index point positions; magnets, one for each bar, for moving said bars from a normal position; a plurality of circuits each including one of said magnets and one of said brushes, each brush having its corresponding magnet whereby each magnet may be energized when the corresponding brush encounters a designation in the index point position sensed by said brush; a series of selectively operable elements, each corresponding to a character and extending transversely of said selector bars; spring means holding said elements in cooperation with the edges of said selector bars, said edges being so shaped of a single selector bar, or a combination of selector bars, corresponding to the: designations of a character in the record column selects the element corresponding to such character and permits said element to move transversely of the selector bars under the influence of the sprin means operation with which the selected element moves, a magnet for operating said bail, and circuit closing means operated by said selector bars and controlled by the first named circuits for causing an operation of said magnet upon the selection of one of said elements.

14. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a series of record analyzing circuits each including contact means closed by the presence of a designation in an index point position of a record, characters being designated by combinations of designations in said index point positions, a series of selector bars set combinationally under control of said circuits to represent the character sensed, power key operating means controlled by the positions of said selector bars, and means controlled by the movement of said selector bars for controlling the operation of the power means.

15. In a machine of the class described, power operated mechanism including selectively operable elements, a power device for operating said elements including a main operating member and a series of selector bars movable to bring about a cooperative relationship between the main operating member and a selected element, a record sensing device, means controlled by the record sensing device for setting said bars, and means controlled both by the record sensing device and class described, the i an operating bail into co- 'trol circuit 7 by movement of the selector bars for causing an operation of the power device.

16. In a machine of the class described, a combinational hole sensing means, a series of keys, power operated recording mechanism controlled by said keys, key selecting mechanism controlled by said sensing means, power means for operating a selected key, and means controlled jointly by the record sensing means and the key selecting mechanism for causing an operation of the power key operating means.

17. In a machine of the class described, a key controlled mechanism, power means to selectively operate the keys of said mechanism including a power magnet, a series of selector bars settable combinationally to select a key to be operated and means operated by the magnet for actuating the selected key; a record sensing device; magnets, one for each selector bar, for operating said bars to select a key to be operated; circuits connecting said magnets to the sensing device, a confor the power magnet, and contact means in said circuit controlled by the selector bars for energizi g the power magnet.

18. In a recording machine, the combination of a series of keys, a series of key operating elements, an operating member for said elements,

a series of selector bars extending crosswise of said elements; spring mean for holding said elements in cooperation with the edges of said selector bars, said selector bars having their edges shaped so that movement of the selector bars singly and in combination away from a normal position allows one of said .key operating elements to be moved by its spring means to a position for subsequent operation, a magnet for operating said member, contact means actuated by said selector bars for controlling said magnet, a record sensing device, means controlled by said record sensing device for moving said selector bars, and contact means controlled by said sens-- ing device for controlling said magnet.

19. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a series of character keys, re-

cording mechanism controlled by said keys, se-

lectable key operating elements, a series of key selecting bars having selection lugs disposed in difierent positions on the edges thereof, spring means holding said key operating elements in coaction with the lugs on said bars, said bars when moved singly or in combinations releasing said operating elements to enable said spring means to draw said elements into an operated position; an operating bail common to all of the selectable elements, and, when moved, engaging the selected element to operate the key connected with such selected element; a magnet for operating said bail a series of record sensing brushes, each for sensing a particular index point position in a column of a record field in which index point positions appear data designations representing characters; circuits including said brushes and including operating magnets for moving the selector bars to position said selector bars to represent the data designations in the column sensed, and a control circuit for said bail operating magnet including contacts operated by said selector bars and contacts controlled by the sensing circuits for closing the circuit to said bail operating magnet.

20. In a machine of the class described, a series of selectively operable character elements, each representing a character; a series of selector bars movable singly to select a. character element and 75 also movable in different combinations to select other character elements; a record sensing device including a plurality of contact elements, each corresponding to a selector bar, a series of circuits from said contact elements, each circuit corresponding to one of said bars and including a magnet for moving the bar when the corresponding contact element is closed; and means associated with said bars for compelling said bars to move in unison when a character designation calling for the movement of two bars in unison is sensed.

21. In a machine of the class described, selectively operable elements; a series of selector bars having their edges provided with lugs cooperating with said selectively operable elements to hold them in an inoperative position, said selector bars being movable singly to select certain elements and also movable a plurality at a time in different combinations to select other elements, said bars,

when moved to select an element, permitting such element to move to an active position; and means engaged by all of said bars for compelling them to move in unison if a combinationis moved.

22. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a plurality of selectively operable elements each representing a character, a series of selector bars cooperating with said character representing elements and movable longitudinally both singly to select certain of the character representing elements and in unison to select a different character representing element, means individual to each bar for moving said bar, and a bail engaged by all of said bars and moved thereby for compelling the bars to move in unison.

23. In a machine of the class described, the combination of a series of selectively operable elements each representative of a character, a series of selector bars mounted for longitudinal movement and disposed transversely of the selectively operable elements, said selector bars when moved longitudinally singly representing certain characters and selecting the operable elements for such characters and when moved in combinations selecting the operable elements for other characters; a series of magnets each corresponding to a bar, for moving such bar; and means for compelling two bars to move in unison when a plurality of the magnets are energized.

24. In a machine of the class described, a series of selectively operable elements; power operated means controlled by said elements, each element 5 them to when operated having a difierent efiect upon said power operated means from the other elements; a combinational hole sensing means, selecting mechanism for said elements controlled by said sensing means, power means for operating a selected element, and means controlled jointly by the sensing means and by the element selecting mechanism for causing an operation of the power means.

25. In a machine of the class described, a series of selectively operable elements, means controlled by said elements, each element having a different effect upon said means; power means to selectively operate said elements including a power magnet and a series of selector bars settable to select the element to be operated by said power magnet, a record sensing device; magnets, one for each selector bar, for operating said bars to select an element to be operated; circuits connecting said magnets to the sensing device, a control circuit for the power magnet. and contact means in said circuit controlled by the selector bars for energizing the power magnet.

26. In a machine of the class described, selectively operable elements, power means for selectively operating said elements including a series of members representing index point positions in a record and movable to represent combinations of designations insaid index point positions, record sensing devices, actuating devices, each controlled by a sensing device, and each individual to an index point position, for moving said members independently of each other, and means cooperating with all of said members to compel move in unison.

27. In a machine of the class described, a series of selectively operable elements, a series of movable members each for controlling th operation of said elements and representing an index point position in a record, a device for sensing data designations in said index point positions, means individual to each of said members and controlled by said sensing device for setting said members upon the occurrence of data designations in a record, and means operative when a plurality of designations are sense-d to compel the corresponding members to be set in unison.

ALBERT W. MILLS. FRANK J. FURMAN. EDWARD J. RABEN'DA. 

